MatureAging Blog

There are two important pieces of paper that you should complete and distribute.   They both fall under the general heading of advanced directives. The first is the health care power of attorney.   It is a form that you appoint someone to make end-of-life decisions, if and when you are unable.   Give it some thought before you fill it out. Your end of life should be comfortable and meaningful.   It may be helpful to discuss end-of-life issues with the person you designate. The other document you should have completed is a living will.   In this document you list the procedures you would want at the end of your life.   You may prefer certain medications or CPR to be performed or not. You can also indicate that you prefer to die at home. Studies have found that individuals who suffer from chronic illnesses are slightly more likely to fill these out than healthy adults, but in either case, less than 50% of Americans have completed these forms.   This statistic is surpr

“Aging in place” has become an increasingly popular catchphrase, mainly because it reflects an increasingly common lifestyle for seniors.   One of the figures (suggested by the AARP) is that more than 70% of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 prefer to get old in the home they live in currently.   That means that more than a majority of us want to get old anchored to the very spot where we aged. It makes sense, on many levels. ·          Aging in place permits you to keep your social connections. ·          Aging in place allows you to retain the happy memories of shared milestones and other happy occasions that took place in the residence. ·          Aging in place permits you to live in a residence that has your character and personality.   You don’t want to start with a generically bland, sterile domicile. But to fulfill your dream, you might want to look at these items before making that critical decision. * Is your home safe for an older person? You may

One of the primary reasons we exercise is to lose weight.   But what if you have already achieved your desired weight goals (as if that is ever possible)? Not surprisingly it does not mean that you should abandon moderate exercise, though we may want to.   Moderate exercise – just a few minutes a day, a few hours per week - can bring tangible results. Here are the most common reasons to exercise, regardless of your weight or your age. ·          SLEEP BETTER, STAY AWAKE BETTER You, of course, need to follow, a good sleep hygiene that includes – but not limited to - being in a good mood before bed, quiet, etc., to get the desired results, but exercise helps. Exercise helps you get a good night’s rest because it increases the growth hormone associated with sleep.   Physical activity also helps you fall asleep faster   (less tossing and turning before you doze off, finally) and longer.   Even better, you are less likely to need sleep during the day, once you include mo

Why You Should Consider Getting A Pen Pal and a Few Helpful Hints A Pen Pal is ideal if you want to feel less isolated.  It makes you feel wanted by promoting a sense of community, it heals the soul.   Many people are intimidated by starting a friendship with a stranger.  I understand this. But the good by far outweighs that initial hesitation. Many people are afraid of water. But those who swim get to have hours of fun at the beach, lakes, and pools. Think of all the sharing and connecting you can do, at a time when it is convenient for you as you are sitting by your computer.